Women's Water Polo

Tigers Fall Short To UCLA

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The No. 7 women's water polo team fell, 8-4, to UCLA in the NCAA Quarterfinal on Friday.

Pacific finishes it's 2018 campaign with an overall record of 18-8. UCLA improves to 23-7, moving on to the semifinals to play No. 1 USC.

In a back-forth-battle from the opening jump ball, the Tigers were locked in contention with the Bruins. The Tigers found six opportunities on goal, Viktoria Szmodics and Mariana Duarte leading the way with two shots each, but unfortunately could not convert as UCLA kept them at bay.

The Bruins would go on to score in the sixth minute and final minute to go up 2-0 ending the first period.

In the second, Truly Dorland found a way to get Pacific on the board as the sophomore utility caught a pass from Karolina Hlavata and netted a goal past UCLA's keeper. Dorland had another opportunity on the following possession but just missed the back of the cage as the ball richocheted off the post.

Dorland would up clutch once again for the Tigers on the final play of the the second period bouncing a shot over an outstretched Bruin defender and finding the back of the cage. This put Pacific down, 4-2, heading into the break.

The Tigers' sole goal in the third period would come from Duarte with 4:13 to go. This would help Pacific pull within three, 6-3, ending the period.

A final powerplay goal at 1:51 by Kyra Christmas chipped at the lead but eventually the Orange and Black would fall short to UCLA.

The Orange and Black made strides and set record marks this season becoming the first team to ever go undefeated in conference play (7-0), earn its highest CWPA ranking at No. 6, and earn their highest NCAA Championship bid with the No. 5 seed.